Methods of treating parkinson's disease using halogenated volatile compounds

Abstract

The present invention provides methods of using halogenated volatile compounds, e.g., halogenated ether, for treating a neurological disorder, e.g., Parkinson's disease.

1. A method of treating Parkinson's disease in a subject in need thereof comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a halogenated volatile compound to the subject, such that the Parkinson's disease is treated or, wherein the halogenated volatile compound is selected from the group consisting of a halogenated ether, a halogenated alkane and a halogenated benzene. 
     
     
       2. A method of improving gait in a subject having Parkinson's disease comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a halogenated volatile compound to the subject and measuring stride length in the subject, wherein the halogenated volatile compound is selected from the group consisting of a halogenated ether, a halogenated alkane and a halogenated benzene, and wherein an increase in stride length in the subject following administration of the halogenated volatile compound relative to the stride length in the absence of the halogenated volatile compound is indicative of an improvement in gait. 
     
     
       3. A method of treating Parkinson's disease in a subject comprising: (a) administering a therapeutically effective amount of a halogenated volatile compound to the subject; and b) measuring stride length in the subject, wherein the halogenated volatile compound is selected from the group consisting of a halogenated ether, a halogenated alkane and a halogenated benzene where an increase in the stride length in the presence of the compound relative to the stride length in the absence of the compound is indicative of treatment or prevention of Parkinson's disease. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 2 , wherein the halogenated volatile compound is a halogenated ether. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 4 , wherein the halogenated ether is isoflurane. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 2 , wherein the halogenated volatile compound is selected from the group consisting of isoflurane, desflurane, enflurane, halothane, and sevoflurane. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 6 , wherein the halogenated volatile compound is in gaseous form. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 7 , wherein the halogenated volatile compound is administered using an inhaler. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 7 , wherein the halogenated volatile compound is administered using a chamber and wherein the subject is partially or wholly in the chamber. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 2 , wherein the stride length is measured as the subject ambulates on a treadmill. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 2 , wherein the subject further comprises reduced stride frequency and reduced stance width variability in the presence of the compound relative to the stride frequency and stance width variability in the absence of the compound. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 6 , wherein the halogenated volatile compound is administered in combination with oxygen. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 6 , wherein the halogenated volatile compound is administered in combination with oxygen and/or carbon dioxide. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 6 , wherein the halogenated volatile compound is administered to the subject with an additional therapeutic agent. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 4 , wherein the halogenated ether is administered in combination with oxygen. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 4 , wherein the halogenated ether is administered in combination with oxygen and/or carbon dioxide. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 4 , wherein the halogenated ether is administered to the subject with an additional therapeutic agent.